Multisubstance-Using Probationers and the Odds of Arrest While in the Community

• Author: Haley R. Zettler,Justin C. Medina
• Published date: 01 June 2020
• Date: 01 June 2020
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X19895975
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X19895975

International Journal of

Offender Therapy and

Comparative Criminology

2020, Vol. 64(8) 818 –839

© The Author(s) 2019

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DOI: 10.1177/0306624X19895975

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Article

Multisubstance-Using

Probationers and the

Odds of Arrest While

in the Community

Justin C. Medina1 and Haley R. Zettler2

Abstract

Failed drug tests commonly lead to technical violations and revocation hearings

for probationers. The current study extends these observations by examining

whether multisubstance-using probationers also have increased odds of arrest

in the community. This is important as multisubstance-using probationers may

present unique public safety challenges to community corrections agencies and

require intensive treatment resources and additional monitoring. Using data from a

county-level probation cohort (N = 2,257) from 2009 to 2010, a series of logistic

regression analyses estimated the effects of multisubstance use on the odds of

being arrested for a new offense while in the community. The findings revealed that

multisubstance use and the frequency of multisubstance use increased the odds of

arrest while on probation when compared with single-substance users. We discuss

how agencies may best supervise multisubstance-using probationers and suggest

directions for further examination.

Keywords

recidivism, community corrections, policy, drug testing, risk

Scholars have begun differentiating between individuals who intentionally blend and/

or simultaneously use multiple illicit substances (i.e., multisubstance users) and those

who use a single substance. Such a distinction stems from a growing body of literature

1Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA, USA

2University of North Texas, Denton, USA

Corresponding Author:

Justin C. Medina, Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology, Lycoming College, 700 College Place,

Williamsport, PA 17701, USA.

Email: medina@lycoming.edu

895975IJOXXX10.1177/0306624X19895975International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative CriminologyMedina and Zettler

research-article2019

Medina and Zettler 819

demonstrating that multisubstance users are more likely to be impulsive and sensation

seeking (Bechara, 2005; Bickel & Marsch, 2001; Conway et al., 2003; Galizio & Stein,

1983; Lacey & Evans, 1986; Preston et al., 2017; Quirk & McCormick, 1998; Sinha,

2008; Smith & Stoops, 2019). As a consequence, multisubstance users have different

health, mental, and physical consequences, and motivations for substance use when

compared with single-substance users. Research has demonstrated a host of negative

associations related to multisubstance use, including having more nonfatal overdoses

(Riley et al., 2016), seeking behavioral health care at higher rates (Calcaterra et al.,

2015), having higher rates of mental health disorders (Salom et al., 2016), and being

more prone to anxiety, hostility, and paranoia (Parrott et al., 2000). Furthermore, indi-

viduals who are experiencing acute life stressors are more likely to use multiple sub-

stances (Conway et al., 2003; Preston et al., 2017; Sinha, 2008; Smith & Stoops, 2019).

Changes in criminal justice policy over the past several decades have led to more

substance-using and dependent individuals in the criminal justice system (Moore &

Elkavich, 2008). The “War on Drugs,” beginning in the 1970s, prioritized aggressive

law enforcement of controlled and illicit substances and brought increasing numbers

of substance users into the justice system (Moore & Elkavich, 2008). Currently, sub-

stance users are more involved in the criminal justice system than nonsubstance users

(Winkelman et al., 2018).

Understanding multisubstance use by probationers is important given the current

policy shift away from incarceration and toward community-centered sentences. As

more drug-dependent individuals enter community corrections, it is important to

understand the effects of multisubstance use on this population. There is recent evi-

dence that multisubstance users are becoming increasingly more common in com-

munity corrections populations (Denman et al., 2018; Hakansson et al., 2011;

Winkelman et al., 2018). There is also evidence that multisubstance use in commu-

nity correctional settings is associated with violent behavior, suicidal ideation, and

cognitive issues (Hakansson et al., 2011). Furthermore, if allowed to remain in the

community, this population can access illegal drug markets more easily and be

exposed to law enforcement activity that intensely patrols known drug selling and

using locations. This may lead to higher rates of arrest for multisubstance users.

These factors are compounded by societal increases in opioid and novel psychoac-

tive substance use over the previous decade (Smith & Stoops, 2019). The conditions

of probation and the threat of punishment for violations can also exacerbate the

stress placed on individual probationers. In turn, this may be a contributing factor

for continued multisubstance use. As such, multisubstance use by probationers may

be linked to increased public safety threats and recidivism.

Although researchers have documented the increase in multisubstance use in

community corrections, there is still little known about what effects, if any, it has

on supervision outcomes. The current study aims to clarify whether multisubstance-

using probationers are more likely to recidivate (i.e., be arrested for a new offense)

while in the community. A methodological contribution is to examine whether there

is utility in distinguishing between single- and multisubstance users in understand-

ing probation recidivism. A demonstrated link between multisubstance-using